“The New Uzbekistan is open to the world for sustainable and green development, and we invite you all to large-scale practical cooperation,” stated President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his address at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit on January 14, 2025. The speech highlighted Uzbekistan’s bold renewable energy targets, its substantial foreign investment in green energy, and the nation’s expanding role as a leader in regional and global sustainability efforts.
“We are committed to ensuring environmental stability and transitioning to a resource-efficient green economic development model,” Mirziyoyev declared, underscoring the urgency of shifting toward cleaner energy sources. Uzbekistan has set a target to increase the share of renewable energy to 54% by 2030 as part of its drive for a greener economy.
Progress in Green Energy Investment
Mirziyoyev also outlined the country’s impressive progress in the renewable energy sector. Over the past five years, Uzbekistan has attracted nearly $20bn in foreign direct investment (FDI) for its energy sector. This has facilitated the construction of 9.6 gigawatts of new energy capacity, including:
- 14 solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 3.5 gigawatts.
- Two energy storage systems with a combined 300-megawatt capacity.
The President noted that Uzbekistan’s green energy development has reached the level of a nationwide movement, and the country continues to rapidly increase its green energy infrastructure to meet the growing demand of its expanding economy.
“We are actively working to increase the capacity of our renewable energy systems and further diversify our energy mix to ensure sustainable economic growth,” Mirziyoyev stated.
Expanding Green Energy Partnerships
Mirziyoyev also emphasized Uzbekistan’s collaboration with global partners in renewable energy. “Our goal is to turn Central Asia into one of the centers of green development and clean energy,” he said. The President highlighted key partnerships with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with whom Uzbekistan has engaged in numerous green energy initiatives. Notably:
- Masdar, a UAE-based company, has been a key partner, helping to establish 5 power generation facilities with a total capacity of 1.5 gigawatts.
- Three additional projects, totaling 1.6 gigawatts, are in development, along with a 520 megawatt-hour energy storage facility.
- The total value of the investment portfolio between Uzbekistan and the UAE has surpassed $26 bn, with renewable energy projects as the primary focus.
In addition, Uzbekistan is collaborating with other international partners, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and China, to expand its green energy initiatives.
Expanding Uzbekistan’s Green Ambitions
Looking ahead, Uzbekistan is set to significantly expand its green energy capacity. Preliminary estimates suggest that the country has the potential to generate:
- 500 gigawatts of solar energy
- 100 gigawatts of wind energy
- 10 gigawatts of hydropower
“We have abundant resources in solar, wind, and hydropower energy, and we are ready to provide favorable conditions for our foreign partners to tap into these resources,” Mirziyoyev stated, underlining the vast potential of Uzbekistan’s renewable energy sector.
Additionally, Uzbekistan is prioritizing water-saving technologies in agriculture, with the goal of reaching 100% adoption of such technologies across the sector. The President also announced that 30% of urban areas in the country will be transformed into green spaces as part of the Green Space Program.
Strengthening Regional and Global Cooperation
Uzbekistan is also committed to regional and global collaboration in sustainable development. “We have taken the initial steps in revitalizing the ancient Great Silk Road through energy connectivity,” Mirziyoyev said, referencing the multilateral agreement signed at COP29 with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, which will enable Uzbekistan to export green energy to Europe.
The President outlined several initiatives launched during the COP28 and COP29 summits, including:
- The creation of an International Center for Climate Loss and Damage Assessment.
- Establishing a Regional Hub for Water-Saving Technologies and a Plant Genetic Resources Bank.
- Proposing the establishment of an International Research Network for Combating Land Degradation and Desertification based at the Green University in Tashkent.
Mirziyoyev further invited international research centers, experts, and scientists to actively engage in Uzbekistan’s green initiatives.
Climate Initiatives and Future Prospects
“The Green Development Concept for Central Asia will be presented at the Central Asia Climate Change Conference to be held in Uzbekistan later this year,” Mirziyoyev stated, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in tackling climate change.
In addition to this, Uzbekistan will host the Global Youth Digital Green Initiatives Festival on International Climate Day, May 15, in the Aral Sea region, which will showcase youth-led innovation and solutions for climate action.
Uzbekistan’s efforts to promote sustainability have positioned the country as a key player in global climate solutions. Through its large-scale green energy initiatives, substantial foreign investments, and regional leadership, Uzbekistan is making significant strides in the fight against climate change.
“The New Uzbekistan is open to the world for sustainable and green development, and we invite you all to large-scale practical cooperation,” Mirziyoyev concluded, reaffirming the country’s commitment to a green and sustainable future.
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